THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Birches Restaurant Review

: While the wood-burning grill remains at the heart of chef-owner Brian Bruso’s kitchen, he has added a host of light-fare offerings to his roster of grilled meats and seafood. Now you can nosh on an "Ashleydilla," which consists of grilled shrimp, black beans, grape tomatoes and Monterey Jack cheese stuffed into a flour tortilla and paired with Vermont cheddar grits. Or a turkey burger topped with goat cheese and roasted shallots. Those with a larger appetite might want to tuck into Bruso’s Vermont macaroni-and-cheese or his wood-grilled filet mignon. Birches seems like an oasis in the hurly-burly of Canton, with its wood-paneled bar and understated dining room.

Birch's was one of the absolute worst dining experiences in my life. Not knowing the policy, and having split checks between multiple credit cards at many other restaurants, we (myself and two friends) innocently provided three separate credit cards. First, the server became very rude and barked "if you're going to pay this way we automatically include 20% gratuity". We replied that that was fine. Next, she returns to let us know that she can now only accept one credit and that the policy is written on the menu. We were at a loss for why this was a policy...especially in today's day and age when most people use credit cards. I have never in my life posted a negative comment on a blog, sent a letter of disappoint about service, etc. However, this experience was horrible. There are plenty of great restaurants in Baltimore that would gladly accept your business, especially in our current financial times. I can't help but wonder how many other people have had a similar experience at Birch's but never shared.